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The Greatness of God: The Greatness of God's Love

God is Love (1 John 4:8). He is the Source of love. Throughout the entire Bible, God expresses and reveals His love to man in countless and evidential ways. In the Old Testament, God is seen manifesting His power on behalf of His people in the time of their wilderness journeying and their captivity. He led them, fed and clothed them, guided them and protected them from all their enemies. He expressed His love again by feeling with His people, their sorrows and afflictions.

In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.
- Isa 63:9 (NIV)

He grieved in their affliction, their well-being were His concern; He was not their adversary but their friend, even though it might have seemed to them as if He either had brought on them their suffering or did not care about it. Nor did He ever forget them for a moment during all their trials.
Isaiah 53 is the prophecy of the Messiah, Jesus, the epitome of God’s love. The promise of the Messiah was revealed years before the Son of God came to dwell among those He created, those whom He desires to fellowship with, those whom He would eventually die for (John 10:11).

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
- Eph 2:4-5 (NIV)

Sometimes we have forgotten how much God loves us and we take for granted His grace and mercy. In times of stretching, tiredness and weakness, we may even complain about His absence even though He has never forgotten us. Let us learn to keep close to Jesus by relying on His love and walk in His presence (1 John 1:16).

REFLECTION
• Are there times in your life when you took the love of God for granted? Have you forgotten the first love of your life, Jesus?
• Are there areas in your life that you are complaining about to God or to people? Have you allowed your heart to be filled with negativity and ill feelings? Cast your worries to God in worship and prayer.